EP1290480B1 - Fiber optic cable connectors for downhole applications - Google Patents
Fiber optic cable connectors for downhole applications Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1290480B1 EP1290480B1 EP01944146A EP01944146A EP1290480B1 EP 1290480 B1 EP1290480 B1 EP 1290480B1 EP 01944146 A EP01944146 A EP 01944146A EP 01944146 A EP01944146 A EP 01944146A EP 1290480 B1 EP1290480 B1 EP 1290480B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- termini
- connector
- key
- fiber optic
- optic cable
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3873—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls
- G02B6/3882—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls using rods, pins or balls to align a pair of ferrule ends
- G02B6/3883—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls using rods, pins or balls to align a pair of ferrule ends using rods, pins or balls to align a plurality of pairs of ferrule ends
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/381—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres
- G02B6/3826—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres characterised by form or shape
- G02B6/3831—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres characterised by form or shape comprising a keying element on the plug or adapter, e.g. to forbid wrong connection
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3873—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls
- G02B6/3874—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls using tubes, sleeves to align ferrules
- G02B6/3878—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls using tubes, sleeves to align ferrules comprising a plurality of ferrules, branching and break-out means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/381—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres
- G02B6/3816—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres for use under water, high pressure connectors
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/381—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres
- G02B6/3818—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres of a low-reflection-loss type
- G02B6/3822—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres of a low-reflection-loss type with beveled fibre ends
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3833—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture
- G02B6/3847—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture with means preventing fibre end damage, e.g. recessed fibre surfaces
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3833—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture
- G02B6/3851—Ferrules having keying or coding means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/389—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs characterised by the method of fastening connecting plugs and sockets, e.g. screw- or nut-lock, snap-in, bayonet type
- G02B6/3894—Screw-lock type
Definitions
- the present invention relates to connectors for fiber optic cables and, more particularly, to multi-channel connectors therefor that can be used in downhole applications and withstand high temperature and pressure.
- Fiber optic cables have been increasingly used for downhole oil and gas explorations. Specifically, the fiber optic cable is lowered into the well to transmit various information and data to the surface.
- the fiber optic cable is typically housed in at least one protective tube to shield the fiber optic from the extremely harsh downhole environment.
- the fiber optic cable can be subjected to downhole ambient pressures of approximately one thousand (1,000) atmospheres and temperatures ranging from 0°C to 175°C (zero to one hundred seventy-five degrees Celsius). Additionally, the fiber optic cable is exposed to downhole corrosives such as water, sulfuric acid and others.
- fiber optic cable in the downhole applications.
- packaging for fiber optic cable must be extremely compact for downhole use.
- the fiber optic cable must come either in extremely long segments or be connected. For installation and assembly purposes, it is much easier to have smaller segments of fiber optic cable that connect to each other.
- the connectors for the fiber optic cable must ensure integrity of the transmitted data and information as well as withstand the harsh ambient conditions of the downhole environment.
- Certain single channel connectors are commercially available with angled termini to reduce the return loss of a physical contact connector. These connectors are manufactured with the end surface of the termini polished at an angle such that the Fresnel reflection at the glass-air interface of the termini is reflected at an angle that exceeds the numerical aperture of the fiber. This allows the return loss (reflected energy) of the connector to be reproducibly suppressed by more than one million times or 60db.
- existing single-channel connectors are rated for temperatures ranging from -40°C to 85°C, which is substantially inadequate for downhole use.
- pressure rating of the single-channel angled physical contact connectors is not compatible for downhole use.
- the diameter of the angled termini is at least 2.5mm, which prohibits inclusion into multi-channel connectors that meet the dimensional requirements of the downhole environment.
- a connector for joining a first fiber optic cable end and a second fiber optic end of a fiber optic cable comprising: a first connector end adapted to receive said first fiber optic cable end; a second connector end adapted to receive said second fiber optic cable end; a first plurality of termini disposed within respective termini holes formed in said first connector end for terminating said first fiber optic cable end; a second plurality of termini disposed within respective termini holes formed in said second connector end for terminating said second fiber optic cable end, each termini of said first plurality of termini mating with each respective termini of said second plurality of termini; and a first alignment feature for properly aligning said first connector end with respect to said second connector end; wherein said first alignment feature comprises: at least one key opening formed on said first connector end; and at least one corresponding key protrusion formed on said second connector end adapted to fit into said at least one key opening to ensure proper alignment of said first and second connector ends; characterised in that each of the first plurality of termini and
- each termini includes an angled tip surface for mating with a corresponding termini such that the angled tip surfaces of mating termini are properly aligned with respect to each other as a result of the second alignment feature.
- the first alignment feature of the present invention also provides protection for the termini.
- the double alignment feature of the present invention allows the connector with multiple termini that require specific registration be properly aligned.
- the angled tip surface of the termini ensures improved connection between the fiber optic cable ends which in turn reduces unwanted reflections from the termini.
- a back-shell weld feature includes a welding surface and a capillary opening for facilitating welding of a protective capillary tube shielding the fiber optic cable to the ends of the connector.
- One major advantage of the present invention is that a multi-channel connector is sufficiently compact to be used for downhole applications.
- Another major advantage of the present invention is that the connector can withstand high temperatures and pressures.
- a fiber optic connector 10 has a male connector end 12 and a female connector end 14 for joining a first fiber optic cable end 16 and a second fiber optic cable end 18 of a fiber optic cable 19.
- the fiber optic connector 10 also includes a make-up nut 20.
- the fiber optic cable 19 is shielded by a capillary encapsulation tube 21.
- the male connector end 12 includes a male housing 22 for housing a plurality of male termini 24 protruding outward from a surface 26.
- a first flange 28 and a second flange 30 also protrude outwardly from the surface 26 protecting the plurality of termini 24 and forming a first key opening 32 and a second key opening 34.
- the male housing 22 includes a lip 36 having a lip outside diameter 38 for accommodating a metal seal 39.
- the male housing 22 also has a male housing outside diameter 40 and includes a groove 42 for receiving an elastomeric O-ring 44, as best seen in FIG. 3 .
- the flanges 28, 30 have an outside flange diameter 46.
- each termini 24 is inserted into a keyed termini receiver hole 48 formed within the first connector end 12.
- the keyed termini receiver hole 48 includes a keyed slot 50, as best seen in FIG. 4 .
- Each termini 24 is used to terminate the fiber optic cable end 16.
- the female connector end 14 includes a female housing 52 having an outside surface 54 and a plurality of threads 56. A plurality of female termini 58 are disposed within the female housing 52.
- the housing 52 includes an inside diameter sized to accept the outside diameter 40 of the male housing 22.
- the female housing 52 also includes a first key protrusion 62 and a second key protrusion 64 adapted to be received within the first key opening 32 and the second key opening 34, respectively.
- the first key opening 32 and first key protrusion 62 are sized differently from the second key opening 34 and the second key protrusion 64 to ensure proper alignment between the male and female connector ends 12, 14 and, in combination, form a first alignment feature of the fiber optic connector 10.
- the key protrusions 62, 64 are of sufficient length to prevent engagement of the termini until proper angular alignment between the ends 12, 14 is achieved.
- the female housing 52 also includes a plurality of keyed termini holes 66 for accepting the plurality of female termini 58.
- Each termini hole 66 also includes a keyed slot 67 and has a sleeve 68 extending past the outward end of the termini 58.
- each termini 24, 58 has a central axis 70 and includes a base part 72 and a top part 74 with the top part 74 terminating with a tip surface 76.
- Each base part 72 of each termini 24, 58 includes a termini key 78.
- the termini key 78 is a pin 80 inserted in an opening 82 formed within the base part 72 and protruding outwardly therefrom.
- the tip surface 76 of each termini 24, 58 is angled and forms an angle a with a line perpendicular to the axis 70 of the termini 24, 58. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the angle a is approximately eight degrees (8°).
- the angled tip surface 76 at each termini 24 is formed to mate with the corresponding termini 58 when both termini 24, 58 are properly keyed into respective connector ends 12, 14. For higher numerical aperture fiber the angle ⁇ can be increased to approximately fifteen degrees (15°).
- each termini 24, 58 is inserted into the termini keyed hole 48, 66, respectively.
- Each termini key 78 fits into the corresponding keyed slot 50, 67 of the termini keyed hole 48, 66.
- the keyed termini slot 50, 67 and the termini key 78 of each termini 24, 58 define a second alignment feature of the fiber optic connector 10 which ensures that the male termini 24 is properly aligned with the female termini 58 for each particular termini connection.
- the make-up nut 20 is adapted to fit over the male connector end 12 and includes threads 84 on the inside thereof to mate with the threads 56 of the female connector end 14.
- the nut 20 is fabricated from beryllium copper (BeCu) and, when torqued to specifications, provides sufficient elasticity to prevent back-off.
- BeCu beryllium copper
- the male and female housings 22, 52 also include a back-shell weld feature 86 that incorporates a welding surface 88 and a capillary opening 90 adapted to receive ends of the capillary encapsulation tube 21.
- the female housing 52 can include threads 91 for receiving threaded tube or other equipment that cannot be welded, as best seen in FIG. 6 .
- the connector ends 12,14 are welded to the encapsulation tube 21 shielding the fiber optic cable 19.
- the ends of the capillary tube 21 are placed into the capillary opening 90 and welded at the welding surface 88 to attach the connector ends 12, 14 to the capillary tube 21.
- the first alignment feature 32, 34, 62, 64 ensures that the two connector ends 12,14 are properly aligned with respect to each other.
- the connector ends 12, 14 are rotated with respect to each other until the first key protrusion 62 and the second key protrusion 64 fit into the first key opening 32 and the second key opening 34, respectively.
- the plurality of male termini 24 fit into the plurality of sleeves 68 and slide to make connection with the female termini 58, as best seen in FIG.1 .
- the second alignment feature 50, 67, 78 ensures that each termini connection is properly made.
- the angled tip surface 76 of each female termini 58 registers with the angled tip surface 76 of the male termini 24, as both termini keys of termini 24, 58 are keyed into their respective slots 50, 67.
- the angled tip surface 76 of the termini 24, 58 ensures that retro-reflection is minimized.
- the make-up nut 20 is secured onto the female portion 14 of the connector 10 by having the threads 56, 84 mate.
- the metal seal 39 sandwiched between the male and female connector ends 12, 14, provides a primary level of seal protection.
- the O-ring seal 44 provides a secondary or back-up seal, should the metal seal 39 fail.
- the termini 24, 58 are a single channel termini, MEL-T-29504 equivalent, purchased from Packard-Hughes Interconnect Company that have a diameter of approximately two millimeters (2 mm) and have been further modified to include an approximately eight degree (8°) angle on the tip surface 76 thereof and to include the key 78 on the base part 72 thereof.
- the fiber optic connector 10 has two alignment features that allow multiple termini connections be made while ensuring proper alignment of each of these termini connections.
- Another major advantage of the present invention is that this multi-channel connector can be used in downhole applications.
- the connector 10 of the present invention can operate at temperatures ranging approximately from 0°C to 175°C (zero to one hundred seventy-five degrees Celsius) and ambient pressures of approximately one thousand (1,000) atmospheres.
- a further advantage of the present invention is that the back-shell weld feature 86 not only facilitates attachment of the connector ends 12, 14 onto the capillary tube, but also acts as both the strength element anchor for the fiber optic cable as well as the environment seal to prevent flooding of the cable.
- a number of features of the present invention contribute and ensure that this connector can be used in extremely harsh environment.
- One such feature is the choice of high strength, corrosion resistant alloys such as Inconel 718 and beryllium copper (BeCu).
- Another such feature is the thickness and material from which the nut 20 is manufactured. The elasticity of the make-up nut eliminates the need for safety wire or anti-rotation pawls.
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- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Mechanical Coupling Of Light Guides (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates to connectors for fiber optic cables and, more particularly, to multi-channel connectors therefor that can be used in downhole applications and withstand high temperature and pressure.
- Fiber optic cables have been increasingly used for downhole oil and gas explorations. Specifically, the fiber optic cable is lowered into the well to transmit various information and data to the surface.
- The fiber optic cable is typically housed in at least one protective tube to shield the fiber optic from the extremely harsh downhole environment. The fiber optic cable can be subjected to downhole ambient pressures of approximately one thousand (1,000) atmospheres and temperatures ranging from 0°C to 175°C (zero to one hundred seventy-five degrees Celsius). Additionally, the fiber optic cable is exposed to downhole corrosives such as water, sulfuric acid and others.
- Besides harsh temperatures and pressures, there are a number of other requirements that must be taken into consideration for using fiber optic cable in the downhole applications. For example, packaging for fiber optic cable must be extremely compact for downhole use. Moreover, the fiber optic cable must come either in extremely long segments or be connected. For installation and assembly purposes, it is much easier to have smaller segments of fiber optic cable that connect to each other. However, the connectors for the fiber optic cable must ensure integrity of the transmitted data and information as well as withstand the harsh ambient conditions of the downhole environment.
- Existing connectors are intended for the less harsh, surface environment and are typically either multi-channel or single channel. Commercially available multi-channel connectors use physical contact type pins or termini. One such termini is MIL-T-29504 which is manufactured by a number of vendors, one of which is Packard-Hughes Interconnect Corporation. However, these termini rely on the termini preload to cause the polished fiber surfaces to physically distort, thereby minimizing the glass-air interface as a strategy to improve the insertion and return loss performance of the termini. Unfortunately, prolonged exposure of the preloaded termini to temperatures in excess of the glass transition temperature of the epoxy used in bonding of the fiber to the termini will cause the fiber to push back, thereby compromising the geometric requirements for both return and insertion loss. Additionally, the connectors that would incorporate these termini do not meet temperature and pressure requirements for downhole use.
- Certain single channel connectors are commercially available with angled termini to reduce the return loss of a physical contact connector. These connectors are manufactured with the end surface of the termini polished at an angle such that the Fresnel reflection at the glass-air interface of the termini is reflected at an angle that exceeds the numerical aperture of the fiber. This allows the return loss (reflected energy) of the connector to be reproducibly suppressed by more than one million times or 60db. However, existing single-channel connectors are rated for temperatures ranging from -40°C to 85°C, which is substantially inadequate for downhole use. Additionally, pressure rating of the single-channel angled physical contact connectors is not compatible for downhole use. Moreover, the diameter of the angled termini is at least 2.5mm, which prohibits inclusion into multi-channel connectors that meet the dimensional requirements of the downhole environment.
- Therefore, it is necessary to provide a connector for multi-channel use with fiber optic cable such that the connector can withstand the harsh temperatures and pressures of the well environment as well as have appropriate dimensions for downhole use.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide a fiber optic cable connector for multi-channel use that can withstand the downhole environment as well as satisfy dimensional requirements therefor.
- According to the present invention there is provided a connector for joining a first fiber optic cable end and a second fiber optic end of a fiber optic cable, said connector comprising: a first connector end adapted to receive said first fiber optic cable end; a second connector end adapted to receive said second fiber optic cable end; a first plurality of termini disposed within respective termini holes formed in said first connector end for terminating said first fiber optic cable end; a second plurality of termini disposed within respective termini holes formed in said second connector end for terminating said second fiber optic cable end, each termini of said first plurality of termini mating with each respective termini of said second plurality of termini; and a first alignment feature for properly aligning said first connector end with respect to said second connector end; wherein said first alignment feature comprises: at least one key opening formed on said first connector end; and at least one corresponding key protrusion formed on said second connector end adapted to fit into said at least one key opening to ensure proper alignment of said first and second connector ends; characterised in that each of the first plurality of termini and each of the second plurality of termini comprises an angled tip; and further characterised by a second alignment feature for properly aligning each termini of said first plurality of termini with a corresponding one of said second plurality of termini; wherein said second alignment feature comprises a plurality of termini keys with each termini key being disposed on respective ones of said plurality of termini, each said termini key being adapted to fit into a termini keyed slot formed in said first and second connector ends for receiving said termini; and wherein the first and second alignment features are so adapted to define a predefined and fixed relative angular orientation between the respective angled tips of the first and second termini and to position corresponding first and second termini in optical communication with one another.
- According to one feature of the present invention, each termini includes an angled tip surface for mating with a corresponding termini such that the angled tip surfaces of mating termini are properly aligned with respect to each other as a result of the second alignment feature.
- According to another feature of the present invention, the first alignment feature of the present invention also provides protection for the termini.
- The double alignment feature of the present invention allows the connector with multiple termini that require specific registration be properly aligned. The angled tip surface of the termini ensures improved connection between the fiber optic cable ends which in turn reduces unwanted reflections from the termini.
- According to a further feature of the present invention, a back-shell weld feature includes a welding surface and a capillary opening for facilitating welding of a protective capillary tube shielding the fiber optic cable to the ends of the connector.
- One major advantage of the present invention is that a multi-channel connector is sufficiently compact to be used for downhole applications. Another major advantage of the present invention is that the connector can withstand high temperatures and pressures.
- The foregoing and other advantages of the present invention become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
-
-
FIG.1 is a cross-sectional view of a fiber optic connector; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a male connector end of the fiber optic connector ofFIG.1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the male connector end ofFIG. 2 taken along line 3-3; -
FIG. 4 is a rear view of the male connector end ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a female connector end of the fiber optic connector ofFIG.1 ; -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the female connector end ofFIG. 5 taken along line 6-6; -
FIG. 7 is a rear view of the female connector end ofFIG. 5 ; and -
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional, exploded view of a first termini and a second termini for use in the fiber optic cable connector ofFIG. 1 . - Referring to
FIG. 1 , a fiberoptic connector 10 has amale connector end 12 and a female connector end 14 for joining a first fiberoptic cable end 16 and a second fiberoptic cable end 18 of a fiberoptic cable 19. The fiberoptic connector 10 also includes a make-up nut 20. The fiberoptic cable 19 is shielded by acapillary encapsulation tube 21. - Referring to
FIGS. 2 ,3 and4 , themale connector end 12 includes amale housing 22 for housing a plurality ofmale termini 24 protruding outward from asurface 26. Afirst flange 28 and asecond flange 30 also protrude outwardly from thesurface 26 protecting the plurality oftermini 24 and forming a firstkey opening 32 and a second key opening 34. Themale housing 22 includes alip 36 having a lip outsidediameter 38 for accommodating ametal seal 39. Themale housing 22 also has a male housing outsidediameter 40 and includes agroove 42 for receiving an elastomeric O-ring 44, as best seen inFIG. 3 . Theflanges outside flange diameter 46. - As best seen in
FIGS. 3 and4 , eachtermini 24 is inserted into a keyedtermini receiver hole 48 formed within thefirst connector end 12. The keyedtermini receiver hole 48 includes akeyed slot 50, as best seen inFIG. 4 . Eachtermini 24 is used to terminate the fiberoptic cable end 16. - Referring to
FIGS. 5 ,6 , and7 , thefemale connector end 14 includes afemale housing 52 having anoutside surface 54 and a plurality ofthreads 56. A plurality offemale termini 58 are disposed within thefemale housing 52. Thehousing 52 includes an inside diameter sized to accept theoutside diameter 40 of themale housing 22. Thefemale housing 52 also includes afirst key protrusion 62 and asecond key protrusion 64 adapted to be received within the firstkey opening 32 and the second key opening 34, respectively. The first key opening 32 and firstkey protrusion 62 are sized differently from the second key opening 34 and thesecond key protrusion 64 to ensure proper alignment between the male and female connector ends 12, 14 and, in combination, form a first alignment feature of the fiberoptic connector 10. Thekey protrusions ends female housing 52 also includes a plurality of keyed termini holes 66 for accepting the plurality offemale termini 58. Each termini hole 66 also includes a keyedslot 67 and has asleeve 68 extending past the outward end of thetermini 58. - Referring to
FIG. 8 , each termini 24, 58 has acentral axis 70 and includes abase part 72 and atop part 74 with thetop part 74 terminating with atip surface 76. Eachbase part 72 of each termini 24, 58 includes atermini key 78. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the termini key 78 is apin 80 inserted in anopening 82 formed within thebase part 72 and protruding outwardly therefrom. Thetip surface 76 of each termini 24, 58 is angled and forms an angle a with a line perpendicular to theaxis 70 of thetermini angled tip surface 76 at each termini 24 is formed to mate with thecorresponding termini 58 when bothtermini - Referring to
FIGS. 4 and 7 , each termini 24, 58 is inserted into the termini keyedhole slot hole keyed termini slot fiber optic connector 10 which ensures that themale termini 24 is properly aligned with thefemale termini 58 for each particular termini connection. - Referring to
FIG.1 , the make-upnut 20 is adapted to fit over themale connector end 12 and includes threads 84 on the inside thereof to mate with thethreads 56 of thefemale connector end 14. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, thenut 20 is fabricated from beryllium copper (BeCu) and, when torqued to specifications, provides sufficient elasticity to prevent back-off. - Referring to
FIGS.1 and3 , the male andfemale housings welding surface 88 and acapillary opening 90 adapted to receive ends of thecapillary encapsulation tube 21. Alternatively, thefemale housing 52 can includethreads 91 for receiving threaded tube or other equipment that cannot be welded, as best seen inFIG. 6 . - In operation, the connector ends 12,14 are welded to the encapsulation tube 21shielding the
fiber optic cable 19. The ends of thecapillary tube 21 are placed into thecapillary opening 90 and welded at thewelding surface 88 to attach the connector ends 12, 14 to thecapillary tube 21. As the two ends 12, 14 of theconnector 10 are joined, thefirst alignment feature key protrusion 62 and the secondkey protrusion 64 fit into the firstkey opening 32 and the secondkey opening 34, respectively. Once the connector ends 12, 14 are properly aligned with respect to each other, the plurality ofmale termini 24 fit into the plurality ofsleeves 68 and slide to make connection with thefemale termini 58, as best seen inFIG.1 . Thesecond alignment feature angled tip surface 76 of eachfemale termini 58 registers with theangled tip surface 76 of themale termini 24, as both termini keys oftermini respective slots angled tip surface 76 of thetermini nut 20 is secured onto thefemale portion 14 of theconnector 10 by having thethreads 56, 84 mate. Themetal seal 39, sandwiched between the male and female connector ends 12, 14, provides a primary level of seal protection. The O-ring seal 44 provides a secondary or back-up seal, should themetal seal 39 fail. - In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
termini tip surface 76 thereof and to include the key 78 on thebase part 72 thereof. - One major advantage of the present invention is that the
fiber optic connector 10 has two alignment features that allow multiple termini connections be made while ensuring proper alignment of each of these termini connections. Another major advantage of the present invention is that this multi-channel connector can be used in downhole applications. Theconnector 10 of the present invention can operate at temperatures ranging approximately from 0°C to 175°C (zero to one hundred seventy-five degrees Celsius) and ambient pressures of approximately one thousand (1,000) atmospheres. - A further advantage of the present invention is that the back-shell weld feature 86 not only facilitates attachment of the connector ends 12, 14 onto the capillary tube, but also acts as both the strength element anchor for the fiber optic cable as well as the environment seal to prevent flooding of the cable.
- A number of features of the present invention contribute and ensure that this connector can be used in extremely harsh environment. One such feature is the choice of high strength, corrosion resistant alloys such as Inconel 718 and beryllium copper (BeCu). Another such feature is the thickness and material from which the
nut 20 is manufactured. The elasticity of the make-up nut eliminates the need for safety wire or anti-rotation pawls. - While the present invention has been illustrated and described with respect to a particular embodiment thereof, it should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, that various modifications to this invention may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (15)
- A connector for joining a first fiber optic cable end (16) and a second fiber optic end (18) of a fiber optic cable (19), said connector comprising:a first connector end (12) adapted to receive said first fiber optic cable end (16);a second connector end (14) adapted to receive said second fiber optic cable end (18);a first plurality of termini (24) disposed within respective termini holes (48) formed in said first connector end (12) for terminating said first fiber optic cable end (16);a second plurality of termini (58) disposed within respective termini holes (66) formed in said second connector end (14) for terminating said second fiber optic cable end (18), each termini of said first plurality of termini (24) mating with each respective termini of said second plurality of termini (58); anda first alignment feature (32, 34, 62, 64) for properly aligning said first connector end (12) with respect to said second connector end (14);wherein said first alignment feature (32, 34, 62, 64) comprises: at least one key opening (32, 34) formed on said first connector end (12); and at least one corresponding key protrusion (62, 64) formed on said second connector end (14) adapted to fit into said at least one key opening (32, 34) to ensure proper alignment of said first and second connector ends (12, 14);
each of the first plurality of termini and each of the second plurality of termini comprising an angled tip;
and further comprising a second alignment feature (50, 67, 78) for properly aligning each termini of said first plurality of termini (24) with a corresponding one of said second plurality of termini (58);
characterised in that said second alignment feature (50, 67, 78) comprises a plurality of termini keys (78) with each termini key (78) being disposed on respective ones of said plurality of termini (24, 58), each said termini key (78) being adapted to fit into a termini keyed slot (50, 67) formed in said first and second connector ends (12, 14) for receiving said termini (24, 58);
and further characterized in that the first and second alignment features (32, 34, 62, 64; 50, 67, 78) are so adapted to define a predefined and fixed relative angular orientation between the respective angled tips of the first and second termini (24; 58) and to register each of the angled tips of the first plurality of termini with the corresponding angled tip of the second plurality of termini. - The connector according to claim 1, further comprising a nut (20) disposed about said first connector end (12) and being threadably attached to said second connector end (14).
- The connector according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a plurality of key openings (32, 34) formed on said first connector end (12) and a corresponding plurality of key protrusions (62,64) formed on said second connector end (14).
- The connector according to claim 3, comprising a plurality of flanges (28, 30) to define said plurality of key openings (32, 34).
- The connector according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said plurality of key openings (32, 34) comprises a first key opening (32) and a second key opening (34) with said first and second key openings (32, 34) having different sizes and wherein said plurality of key protrusions (62, 64) comprise a first key protrusion (62) and a second key protrusion (64) corresponding in size to said first and second key openings (32, 34), respectively.
- The connector according to any preceding claim, wherein each said termini key (78) comprises a pin (80) inserted into a base part (72) of respective ones of said termini (24, 58), said pin (80) being adapted to fit into a corresponding termini keyed slot (50, 67).
- The connector according to any preceding claim, wherein each said termini (24, 58) includes an angled tip surface (76) for mating with a corresponding termini (24, 58), said angled tip surfaces (76) being properly aligned with respect to each other when joined as a result of said second alignment feature (50, 67, 78).
- The connector according to any preceding claim, wherein said connector is multi-channeled.
- The connector according to any preceding claim, wherein said connector is rated to withstand temperatures ranging from approximately 0°C to approximately 175°C.
- The connector according to any preceding claim, wherein said connector is rated to withstand ambient pressures of approximately one thousand (1,000) atmospheres.
- The connector according to any preceding claim, wherein said connector further comprises a back-shell welding feature (86) to facilitate welding of each of said connector ends (12, 14) to protective tubing (21) of said fiber optic cable (19).
- The connector according to claim 11, wherein said back-shell welding feature (86) comprises:a welding opening (90) formed within said connector end (12,14) adapted to receive said protective tubing (21); anda welding surface (88) formed on one end of said connector end (12, 14) substantially adjacent said welding opening (90).
- The connector according to any preceding claim, wherein said first connector end (12) is a male connector end and said second connector end (14) is a female connector end.
- The connector according to any preceding claim, wherein said termini keyed slot (50, 67) is formed along a length of said termini keyed hole (48, 66) and arranged to receive said termini key (78) as the termini (24, 58) is inserted into the termini keyed hole (48, 66) during assembly of the connector end (12, 14).
- A method of constructing a connector according to any preceding claim, comprising forming the angled tips of the first plurality of termini (24) independently of forming the angled tips of the second plurality of termini (58).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/594,645 US6685361B1 (en) | 2000-06-15 | 2000-06-15 | Fiber optic cable connectors for downhole applications |
US594645 | 2000-06-15 | ||
PCT/US2001/015792 WO2002025340A1 (en) | 2000-06-15 | 2001-05-16 | Fiber optic cable connectors for downhole applications |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1290480A1 EP1290480A1 (en) | 2003-03-12 |
EP1290480B1 true EP1290480B1 (en) | 2009-07-22 |
Family
ID=24379775
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP01944146A Expired - Lifetime EP1290480B1 (en) | 2000-06-15 | 2001-05-16 | Fiber optic cable connectors for downhole applications |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US6685361B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1290480B1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2412625C (en) |
DE (1) | DE60139315D1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2002025340A1 (en) |
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- 2001-05-16 CA CA002412625A patent/CA2412625C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2001-05-16 WO PCT/US2001/015792 patent/WO2002025340A1/en active Search and Examination
- 2001-05-16 EP EP01944146A patent/EP1290480B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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CA2412625C (en) | 2009-07-14 |
WO2002025340A1 (en) | 2002-03-28 |
CA2412625A1 (en) | 2002-03-28 |
US7052185B2 (en) | 2006-05-30 |
US20040247251A1 (en) | 2004-12-09 |
DE60139315D1 (en) | 2009-09-03 |
WO2002025340A8 (en) | 2002-05-23 |
US6685361B1 (en) | 2004-02-03 |
EP1290480A1 (en) | 2003-03-12 |
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